Tech Briefs

Sensors & Test

Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on sensors and test, from engineering experts at NASA and government, university, and commercial laboratories.

Briefs: Automotive

X-Ray Tomography Lets Researchers Watch Solid-State Batteries Charge and Discharge

The technology could help improve the reliability and performance of lithium-ion batteries.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Four-Legged Swarm Robots

The multi-legged robots are capable of maneuvering in challenging environments.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Inductive Non-Contact Position Sensor

Potential uses include MEMS accelerometers, vibration monitoring, and other precision motion control applications.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Computational Model Enables Robots to Learn New Concepts

The model allows robots to ask clarifying questions to soldiers.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Autonomous Robot Opens Doors

It can also find the nearest electric wall outlet to recharge without human assistance.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Thin-Film, High-Frequency Antenna Array for Wireless Communications

The phased array antenna based on large-area electronics technology could enable many uses of emerging 5G and 6G wireless networks.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Meringue-Like Material Reduces Aircraft Noise

The low-density, graphene-based aerogel could make aircraft as quiet as a hairdryer.

Briefs: Connectivity

Adapter Makes All Headphones Intelligent

“Dumb” headphones are made smart by turning them into sensors.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Unique Amplifier Could Change Optical Communication

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed an optical amplifier that they expect will revolutionize both space and fiber communication.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Let’s Get Small: New Argonne Method Greatly Improves X-Ray Nanotomography Resolution

Scientists are working to improve the image resolution of X-ray techniques.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Making Measurements with a Fine-Toothed Comb

The comb detects even the smallest amounts of greenhouse gases in the air or look for disease in human breath.

Briefs: Lighting

“Smart” Shirt Monitors the Heart

Flexible carbon nanotube fibers woven into clothing gather accurate EKG and heart rate.

Briefs: Motion Control

DC Drives as Replacements for AC Servos

Low-voltage DC stepper and servo drives offer space-saving options for applications traditionally handled by AC servo drives.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Deployable Composite Boom

Applications include space structures, emergency shelters, backpack solar collectors, and inspection of hazardous environments.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Soft Robots Use Camera and Shadows to Sense Human Touch

An off-the-shelf USB camera captures the shadows made by hand gestures on the robot’s skin.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Color-Changing Dyes Visualize Stress in Plastics

Directly visualizing external stresses of plastics is useful in development of materials with improved mechanical properties.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Stable Polymeric Ink with High Conductivity

This paves the way for innovative and more energy-efficient printed electronics.

Briefs: Test & Measurement

Photo-Induced Emission Analysis to Identify Surface Contaminants

The instrument identifies, quantifies, and characterizes contamination, even on irregularly shaped surfaces.

Briefs: Wearables

Using Silicone Wristbands to Measure Air Quality

The inexpensive, convenient devices can measure exposure to a class of chemicals that can be harmful during pregnancy.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Radio Signals Image Hidden and Speeding Objects

This method could help firefighters find victims inside buildings and could track hypersonic objects such as missiles and space debris.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Industrial Software Integrates With IT

Modern PLCs now include IT-capable software and communications protocols, empowering users to easily access edge-sourced data and integrate it with the enterprise.